102 - A SMALL BRONZE FIGURE OF A YOUNG BOY, PROBABLY EROS, ROMAN EMPIRE, 1ST CENTURY AD

A SMALL BRONZE FIGURE OF A YOUNG BOY, PROBABLY EROS, ROMAN EMPIRE, 1ST CENTURY AD Expert authentication: A copy of a signed authenticity certificate by Christoph Bacher, reference number 3760, confirming the dating above, accompanies the lot. A copy of a signed expertise from Galerie Nefer, Zurich, 17 June 1997, confirming the dating above, accompanies the lot. The nude boy, probably Eros, is seated with his left knee drawn up, supporting himself with his left hand, while his right arm extends outward in a lively gesture. His head turns to follow the movement of the outstretched hand, lending the figure a remarkable sense of animation. The eyes are carefully articulated. His abundant, deeply waved hair falls in thick locks onto the nape and covers the ears, parted centrally above the forehead and gathered into the characteristic topknot typically associated with representations of Eros. Provenance: Galerie Nefer, Switzerland, 17 June 1997. An American private collection, acquired from the above. Christoph Bacher, Vienna, Austria, acquired from the above. Galerie Nefer was a Zurich based dealership specializing in ancient art and antiquities. The gallery issued several catalogues in the 1980s and 90s including a broad range of antiques, such as Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern and Classical antiquities. Some of the objects they handled were dispersed in major museums including the Getty Museum or the Israel Museum. Christoph Bacher is a prominent Viennese collector, curator, and gallerist specializing in ancient art, with a particular emphasis on the civilizations of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. After studying history at the University of Vienna, he spent almost two decades in journalism, serving as a member of the editorial board of a major Austrian weekly newspaper magazine. Alongside this career, Bacher and his wife, Rosalynn Phoa-Bacher, assembled a distinguished collection of ancient and contemporary art, curated exhibitions, and became closely involved with contemporary Asian art. Their longstanding interest in archaeology eventually led Christoph to establish Christoph Bacher Archeology and Ancient Art in Vienna in 2015, followed by a second gallery in 2017. The business has since earned an international reputation and is a member of both IADAA and CINOA. Condition: Good condition with expected wear, casting irregularities, and minor corrosion. Fine naturally grown patina with cuprite and malachite encrustations. Weight: 53.5 g Dimensions: Length 4.8 cm Expert’s note: Small-scale bronze figures of this type were frequently used as ornamental attachments to luxury vessels or furniture. The compact seated pose and extended arm suggest that the present figure originally formed part of a larger decorative ensemble. Its identification as Eros is supported by the youthful nude body and distinctive topknot, characteristic of the god’s Hellenistic and Roman iconography. The representation of children has a long tradition in Greek art, beginning in ancient Crete in the 16th century BC and continuing through the late Hellenistic period. While some representations depict mythical figures, such as Eros (Cupid) and Heracles, many portray children engaged in everyday activities, including play or participation in ceremonies. These images bear witness to the affection and importance accorded to children in Greek society. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related Roman bronze figure of Mercury as a child, dated 1 st century, 6.35 cm tall, in the British Museum, museum number 1873,0820.52. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 8 June 2012, lot 190 Price: USD 5,625 or approx. EUR 7,200 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A roman bronze infant, circa 1st century A.D. Expert remark: Compare the similar subject and manner of casting. Note the size (8.3 cm).